A great step forwards for LGBT inclusion in England's schools

We can celebrate a great step forwards for LGBT inclusion in England’s schools. The regulations for teaching Relationships Education and Relationships and Sex Education in England’s primary and secondary schools have passed safely through the House of Lords.  

These new regulations mark a significant and welcome change to how pupils are taught about LGBT relationships and identities. It’s life-changing legislation that will give LGBT pupils the tools to make informed decisions about their relationships and their futures.  

From September 2020 all secondary schools will be required to teach pupils about sexual orientation and gender identity, and all primary schools will be required to teach about different families, which can include LGBT families.  

This teaching is hugely important. In primary schools, teaching about LGBT families ensures that children from LGBT families see themselves reflected in what they learn. 

It also helps all young people grow up knowing that there’s absolutely nothing wrong or unusual about being LGBT, helping to tackle the anti-LGBT bullying that remains widespread in our schools. 

Through building on this work at secondary level, schools can help all young people, including LGBT young people, make informed decisions, have healthy relationships and grow up feeling proud of who they are.  

The passing of this guidance is a landmark moment for LGBT equality in England’s schools that really deserves to be celebrated.